Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Announcement of the Canadian Paralympic Team for the London 2012 Paralympic Summer Games and the Renewal of Air Canada's Sponsorship of the Canadian Paralympic Committee

TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to offer heartfelt congratulations to all of the athletes who have been named to the 2012 Canadian Paralympic Team.

A total of 145  talented athletes, along with their coaches and support staff, have earned places on the Canadian Paralympic Team. The London 2012 Paralympic Games, which will be held from August 29 to September 9, 2012, are expected to attract more than 4200 athletes from 165 countries.

Our athletes have been training hard, devoting time and energy in order to qualify for the highest level of sport competition at the Games. We look forward to joining Canadians from coast to coast to coast in cheering on our Canadian Paralympic athletes as they go for gold in London.

In addition, I would like to congratulate Air Canada on renewing its support and continuing to serve as the official airline of the Canadian Paralympic Team.

As the single largest contributor to sport in this country, our Government recognizes that the Paralympic Games provide Canada with the opportunity to promote Canadian culture and athleticism, while sharing its values of openness, equality and respect for human rights.

Support from the private sector, like that announced today, will play a key role in ensuring that Canada maintains its status as a leading sport nation on the international stage.

I also thank the Canadian Paralympic Committee for its ongoing dedication to promoting Olympic ideals and excellence.

A list of Canada's Paralympic team members and other information about the 2012 London Paralympic Summer Games is available on the Canadian Paralympic Committee website at www.paralympic.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage